Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Elly Berry of St. Edmond wrestles against Osage's Sydney Muller on Saturday at Xtream Arena in Coralville during the girls state wrestling tournament. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

CORALVILLE — St. Edmond wrestler Elly Berry has been getting better each time out.

The progression only has one place left for the Gael junior.

In her second trip to the IWOCA state wrestling tournament, Berry went 2-2, a year after earning one victory.

“Making it into the quarterfinals is a bigger step from last year,” Berry said. “I worked really hard this season, but I have to work even harder for my senior year.

“It was a great experience, and I’m glad that I got to wrestle there once again.”

In her quarterfinal match on Saturday, Berry lost by fall to eventual champion Annika Behrends of Waverly-Shell Rock at 132 pounds.

“I was pretty upset with how it went,” Berry said. “Wrestling the No. 3 girl was definitely a hard match, but helped me get better.”

In her consolation match, Berry dropped a tough SV-1 decision to Sydney Muller of Osage.

“She is disappointed and I’m disappointed as a coach,” said SEHS head coach Eugene Carlson. “I wish I could have been in her corner (on Saturday), but I was with the boys at the NCC Meet. I want to thank Mike Johnson for being there.

“Her progression has been great to see in such a tough sport. Elly is not done.”

Berry got off to a quick start on the first day of the tournament, earning two falls. After receiving a bye, she pinned Claire Weydert of Humboldt in 1:53.

In the third round, Berry earned a fall over Jazmyn Knutson of West Des Moines Valley in 4:37.